China to the US: We won't nuke you

The US top-level hand gesticulator, Donald Rumsfeld, is making the rounds in Beijing this week. Rumsfeld warned China that many in Washington are nervous about China's secretive modernization of its armed forces. Heeding Rumsfeld's word, China then invited Rummy to visit General Jing Zhiyuan's headquarters, where he apparently became the first foreigner ever to see a Chinese general's command post and sign a big empty guest book. Could this be a signal that General Jing's command center will be the newest stop for tour groups in Beijing?

In further softening up and warm fuzzy feelings, General Jing assured the US Defense Secretary that he would not nuke the US if it intervened in an invasion of Taiwan, rebuking an earlier statement by a Chinese general in Hong Kong this year.

So where will the Rumsfeld visit leave us in the days to come? Shanghaiist predicts missles will still be pointed at Taiwan, Chinese will still be launching taikongnauts into space, and US politicians will still be scratching their heads deciding if they should be scared.

Photo by the Associated Press.